Peak coal body gives a pass

It is the third in a series of interviews taken by iQ Industry Queensland from indicative mining areas and representative bodies around the state assessing the performance of the State Government.

Chief executive officer Stuart Bocking said retaining the high royalties regime introduced by the previous state Labor Government was a mistake.

“… Its failure to address and reform the world’s highest coal royalty rates means they are failing to address Queensland’s plunging status as a safe, reliable, and welcoming state for mining investment,” he said.

“The flawed coal royalties regime has become a handbrake on investment and has become a tax on coal mining jobs and coal communities. 

“The Queensland Government must be scored down on that basis alone.”

Mr Bocking said Coal Australia welcomed the sensible and pragmatic Queensland Energy Roadmap that ensured coal-fired power stations remained a part of Queensland’s electricity network for as long as necessary. 

“That’s great news for households and businesses reliant on affordable and reliable energy, and it unwinds Labor’s disastrous plan to shut down the network by 2035, which would have driven substantial job and business losses across the state.

“A renewed focus on mining approvals and the creation of the Queensland Resources Cabinet Committee (RCC) is a model that should be looked at nationwide. 

“It ensures Cabinet Ministers have a laser focus on streamlining approvals and cutting cumbersome red tape.

“These initiatives are working. They are positive. And they are what gives the Queensland Government a clear pass mark.”

Original article by Industry Queensland